TurnoutHQ+ Newsroom · Published April 22, 2026 · Updated September 8, 2026
Key Takeaway
The newly established Jockeys’ Guild Education Foundation (JGEF) will provide professional riders with scholarships and career training to ensure financial security both during and after their racing careers.
What Happened
The Jockeys’ Guild, in collaboration with the Lavin Family Foundation and Glen Hill Farm, has launched the Jockeys’ Guild Education Foundation (JGEF). This new 501(c)(3) initiative is the first of its kind, dedicated to providing professional jockeys with educational resources, academic guidance, and skills training. The foundation officially launches on July 1. Leading up to this, surveys and focus groups are being conducted through Jockeys’ Guild regional managers to identify specific educational goals and needs within the rider community. Hall of Fame jockey Ramón Domínguez will serve as Executive Director, overseeing a board that includes prominent industry figures such as Craig Bernick, Johnny Velázquez, and Terry Meyocks.
Why It Matters
A jockey's professional life often involves extreme physical risk and financial volatility. Many riders begin their careers young, often sacrificing formal education. This can lead to athletes riding into their 50s and 60s out of financial necessity due to a lack of alternative career credentials. JGEF aims to help riders bridge the gap between their racing careers and life after racing by providing scholarships and personalized academic guidance. This initiative is particularly significant for:
- International Riders: The program will address language barriers, especially for the large population of Latin American riders in the U.S. racing circuit.
- Injury Preparedness: A single injury can end a riding career overnight. As Executive Director Ramón Domínguez noted from experience, a "Plan B" ensures financial stability and mental well-being for retired athletes.
- Industry Sustainability: Investing in the workforce’s long-term success signals a shift toward better labor welfare within horse racing, potentially making it a more viable career path for future generations.
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